Immaculata boys' tennis adds depth to strong junior class

“The combination of returning experience and newcomer intensity should result in plenty of success throughout the season. Our early efforts reflect high expectations and plenty of potential for the team.”

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By Brent Lager

The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS

By Brent Lager

Posted Mar. 21, 2013 at 6:33 PM

By Brent Lager
Posted Mar. 21, 2013 at 6:33 PM

Leavenworth, Kan.

Team: Immaculata boys' tennis

Last year’s top finishes:

* James Cha; fourth at the 3-1A state tournament and third at regionals last year; honorable mention KC Star All-Metro Tennis Team

* Phillip Hernandez; third in doubles at Leavenworth, first in doubles at Bonner Springs

* Andy Eom; first at Neodesha, first at Bonner Springs

* team finishes second at Neodesha Invite

Coach: Manuel JF Hernandez, 13th year

Key returnees:

* junior James Cha

* junior Phillip Hernandez

* junior Andy Eom

* junior Grayson Armstrong,

Newcomers to watch:

* freshman Sam Rhee

* freshman Mark Hernandez

* freshman Hunter Patten

* freshman Bader Abboud

* freshman Adam Habib

* freshman Donald Hollingsworth

Team Outlook: STRENGTHS — Experience and leadership will be the mainstay of the Raiders in 2013 as four seasoned juniors return.

“The experience of our returning players and the athleticism and effort of our newcomers is looking very good thus far,” Hernandez said.

WEAKNESSES — Anytime you have eight new players, the learning curve will be steep. The Imac coach selected serving and ball control as the biggest areas that need to be improved upon.

Big meets: Home invite April 2; At Topeka-Hayden April 3; At Neodesha April 6; At Leavenworth April 24; At DeSoto Invite April 27

Coach says: “Our priority this year is playing up to our potential and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the season. Players know they need to raise their intensity and work hard every minute they are on the tennis courts.

“Our team goal is to have six players in the state tournament. We want to demonstrate program credibility and individual commitment to success.

“The combination of returning experience and newcomer intensity should result in plenty of success throughout the season. Our early efforts reflect high expectations and plenty of potential for the team.”